How Much Does It Cost To Lift a House In Pennsylvania

The range for the cost to raise a house is so broad that it is almost impossible to give an estimate without looking at the structure first. There are multiple factors that can raise or lower the total cost. Every quote is customized to every job depending on the following factors:

How much does it cost to raise a house?

Size and Construction of House

The size of the house affects the total cost because the larger your home is, the more it weighs. More weight requires heavier machinery. So the higher the square footage or the more floors there are in your home will always cost more.

The types of materials your house was constructed with also affects the cost to raise it. These materials include wood frame, block, brick and terracotta. Wood is the least expensive due to the brittle nature of block, brick and terracotta. The latter three also adds to the weight of the house.

Age and House Condition

W.A. Building Movers has specialized in the lifting and moving of historic structures that date back to the early 1700s. As years have passed up until present time the standards for building and codes for these structures has elevated to new heights. Structures of past years may not have been built to the standards that we have come to know in this present day making these structures more delicate in nature. Also with age comes dilapidation in many ways from deterioration to rot of the existing structure. Lastly as these structures have aged settlement is known to occur due to the changing ground conditions or settlement in the building configuration. All of these factors can add to the cost to elevate the home and can lead to stress cracks in plaster during the lift.

Status of Foundation

If you have a damaged foundation, it may be due to poor soil or ground movement. If you're not transporting your home, then you'll need to secure your new foundation with helical or concrete piles. This cost is also dictated by the size and weight of the structure. Helical piles are cheaper than concrete, and this option is a much more affordable choice than transporting the home to a new location. Of course, if your foundation is secure and sturdy, these costs can be avoided.

Framing

Framing, ancillary, sill plates and egresses also affect the cost to raise a house. For example, if the existing framing of a house is rotted, dilapidated or is not up to code to carry the weight of the structure, it would have to be corrected. If there are or will be entryways with decks and stairs, the steps leading up to the decks would have to be replaced/extended down to ground level after the lift. If your house is on a slab, then you'll need to frame an entire new floor as most slabs are not cost efficient enough to be lifted.

Height of Lift

Generally the cost to lift a home from 1 to 8 feet is the same cost as 95% percent of the work in lifting the home is in the preparation of laying out our steel network and support measures prior to the lift. After 8 feet there can be an additional cost due to the need to transfer heavy support items to such extreme heights.

Permits

House raising requires permits. Permits for raising a house range from $2,500 and $5,000.

Labor and Materials

As with any renovation project, you must also factor in the cost of labor and materials to lift and repair the house.

Landscaping

If your house needs work around the foundation, you may have to remove trees and other plants. Replanting or replacing any landscaping will add to the cost as well.

Property Restriction

Property Restrictions include but are not limited to: location of house, other obstacles in the way or limited access under the structure. The cost rises if (1) the house to be lifted is set behind another structure, or the neighboring structures leave little or no access to the noted house (2) there are numerous deep rooted trees not set to be removed in front of the property, making loading in materials difficult and (3) there is limited access under the home that may cause extra manual digging to install lifting materials.

Utilities

Youʻll need to shut off all utilities such as electricity, plumbing, phone and internet services to your home during construction.

Time frame

Time always affects house raising costs. If you want your house sooner rather than later, it will cost more because they would have to mover around their schedule and hire more labor on short notice.

Miscellaneous

Some projects may require your house raising professional to hire an architect or structural engineer, adding to the total cost of labor. Sometimes minor stress cracks can occur upon elevation due to the amount of settlement that occurred on your old foundation. These will need to be repaired after the lift is complete.

Competitive Pricing

W.A. Building Movers provides competitive pricing throughout New Jersey, New York and Connecticut for your house lifting needs. Our team will visit each and every site to provide a customized quote for your specific job and will be able to provide that quote within 7-10 days from being contacted.

To request a quote for your lift or move please feel free to contact us via email at info@wabuildingmovers.com or call the office 908-654-8227.

If there are additional services that require architects, engineers, masons or general contractors, W.A. will gladly refer qualified trades at your request.